The Babe's debut

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - George Herman Ruth made his first major league appearance on this date in 1914. Babe Ruth was the starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox against the Cleveland Naps (current Indians). He won the game 4-3. The Red Sox had purchased the Babe from the Baltimore Orioles of the International League two days before.

Ruth didn't astonish the fans that first season. He made 4 appearances as a pitcher, three as a starter, finishing with a record of 2-1 and ERA of 5.67. He came to bat ten times, had two hits for a .200 batting average, 2 RBI, 1 run scored and struck out 4 times.

It didn't take long for Ruth to show star quality, though. He won 78 games as a pitcher the next four seasons. His hitting was even more impressive, forcing the Red Sox to put him in the outfield just about every game in 1919 and Ruth didn't disappoint, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 114 runs in 130 games.

Unfortunately for Red Sox fans, its owner needed money to finance a Broadway play. Ruth was sold to the New YorkYankees after the 1919 season. And the rest is history.

This today in baseball history story is brought to you by TODAY in BASEBALL.

Babe Ruth Stats